1. Comic Book
Create a comic book version of the novel. This must include artwork, graphics, and text typical of a comic book yet faithful to the spirit of the novel.
2. Sequel
Write a sequel to the book. This should include at least 2 typed, double-spaced pages in 12-point type – Times New Roman - using MLA format.
3. Compare/Contrast Book & Movie
View a movie/video version of the book, then do an oral report on the similarities and differences to the novel using representative video clips to the class.
4. Advertising Campaign
Prepare an advertising campaign for the novel – including a new book cover, 2 movie posters, and one magazine/newspaper advertisement.
5. Web Site
Create a web site for the book with links to the best sites related to the author and the book, including study questions with answers.
6. Historical Report
Research and report on the historical context of the book, with a specific emphasis on events that directly relate to the author and/or novel. You may give an oral presentation with visual aids of your findings or write a 2-page MLA-style paper complete with a works cited page.
7. Game
Create a game based on the book. Have the class play your game as part of your presentation. Warning: Games are really hard. It's hard to make a game that is not boring and that lasts the right amount of time. You have to practice playing the game and make necessary changes. We also found it hard to write clear directions. It's extremely educational, though, and interesting.
8. Mural
Make a mural (at least 3 x 3 feet – apx. size of bulletin board) depicting all major characters in realistic fashion from a narrative book or major events from an informational book. Include at least 2 representational quotes from the book to epitomize the characters or events.
9. Study Guide & Test
Pretend you are going to teach this novel to a typical class of seniors in high school. Create a study guide and test for the books. Include answer keys.
10. Theme Songs
Choose (or create) a theme song for each of the major characters based on the descriptions given in the novel or a theme song for each major event in an informational book. Give an oral presentation justifying your choices to the class. You must provide a copy of the lyrics to me at least 2 days prior to the presentation.
11. Artwork
Write down 10 phrases/lines/sentences/short passages (each one no longer than 10 lines) that interest you in some way. These could be poetic, descriptions of character, foreshadowing of plot, reminiscent of a personal experience, or most anything that you strongly relate to. Then go to the Internet for famous artwork to express the meaning of each of the ten items on your list. Put together a packet with each quote from the book, painting and citation on a different page. Some good web sites include www.art.com and www.artwork.net.
12. Children’s Book
Turn the book into a children’s story by retelling the plot for a narrative or creating a plot based on information in a simple way with vocabulary appropriate for youngsters. Make sure your creation looks like a children’s book, complete with a cover including a title and author, and colorful illustrations above and/or below your writing. DO NOT use lined paper, and make sure all writing is either typed or written neatly & easily readable. Read a few children’s books before you write your own.
13. Create New Scene
Write your own scene that could have happened in the book, but didn’t. Be sure to write in the same style as the author. On a separate page, include a brief explanation in paragraph form of what has occurred up until this point in the novel and give a general description of the characters. In another paragraph, explain why you made the changes/additions you did and how they would have affected the outcome.
14. Map
If the book you read involves a number of locations within a town, country, or geographical area, create a map. First, make a list of all the locations – houses, stores, streets, parks, lakes, etc. – mentioned in your book’s setting. Then, draw a map showing a bird’s eye view of the area. Label each section. Below the map, create a legend with a list of all the location and a description of important events that occur at each. Make sure your map has lots of details, is colorful, and large enough to be seen clearly. All writing should be done in black ink or magic marker.
15. Time Line
Brainstorm a list of all the major events in the plot from beginning to end and then organize them, not in the order they are written, but in the order they would have happened if the events actually took place in real life. Create a time line using a long strip of paper. On your time line, write a short description of what happens for each event and, if possible, try to identify the time of each event with dates, seasons, etc. Add picture and symbols to make your time line colorful. All writing should be done in black magic marker or typed and then taped neatly onto the time line.
16. Newspaper
Create a newspaper that is devoted entirely to the book you read. It should look as much like a real newspaper as possible with writing in columns, headlines, a newspaper title, etc. You can include a variety of different kinds of features including horoscopes for each character, "Dear Abby" letters, comic strips, news articles, advertisements, personal ads, an obituary section, or anything else you might find in a newspaper. Everything you include; however, must be based on events and characters in the book you read. Articles must be typed.
17. Scrapbook
Create a scrapbook for one of the main characters or real life person from informational book that reflects the many events that occur to him or her in the book you read. You can include photographs, letters, post cards, telegrams, a family tree, newspaper article clippings, memorable items, or anything else you can think of that you might find in a scrapbook. If you include objects or photographs, be sure to write captions below describing what they are or what's going on and their significance to the character or person. Create a nice cover for your scrapbook. On the inside, paste an information sheet identifying the full name of the character/person, his/her age (guess if you don't know), birthday (if known), where he/she lives, and any other important information.
18. TV Talk Show
Suppose the major characters from the novel you read are guests on a TV talk show like Oprah or Montel Williams, only you are the host. Develop a "hot" topic, which these characters can all relate to (ex: for The Princess Bride you could use, "My husband tried to kill me"). You may want to even include the author as one of your guests or perhaps a counselor who can give advice to each character. Gather your friends to take on these roles and tape the show "live" on video. Remember to advise your friends to stay in role. Be sure to have a theme song to go with your show and mention the topic for your program. You will also need to introduce each character and ask probing questions that reveal who he/she is, how he/she is related to the other character(s), his/her beliefs, motivations (reasons for doing certain actions), and anything else of importance to your topic. You are required to write a script and make sure each person who is in your video has a copy to study. Turn the script in with the videotape.
19. Movie Preview
The book you have read has just been made into a movie and you have been hired to create and interesting, attention-getting, preview that will make movie-goers all across the country want to come see this new release. Prepare a script, practice, and then videotape short scenes to be used for a preview. Remember previews should not reveal whole scenes, but instead, give us quick glimpses of what the movie is about. Use an attention-getter at the beginning of your preview by having a narrator ask a question, describe a situation, etc. (just like when you write an attention-getter for the introduction of an essay). Add appropriate background music that fits the mood or atmosphere of the overall movie. Be sure to videotape an interesting visual design of the title (to be shown at the end of the preview) and mention actors and actresses who star in this feature film. (Turn in the script with this project!)
20. Storytelling
Turn the book you read into an oral story, which you tape on cassette. No NOT read from the novel, but instead, retell the story in your own words. On your tape, before you actually begin your story, introduce the title and author. Be sure to use appropriate tone and volume as well as special sound effects to help make your story more exciting! You might even want to use music. Develop a different voice for each of the main characters who "speak" in your story. (Ex: If you were telling the story "Little Red Riding Hood," when you came to the part where Little Red says, "My what BIG teeth you have" you would speak in a high pitch voice and then switch to a much deeper, rough voice when the wolf responds, "All the better to eat you with.") You will obviously have to skip parts of the story because books are very long. Create a script to use when you tell your story. Turn the script in with your tape.
21. Letter to the Author
Write a formal letter using block style to the author of your book. Find the address for the author or publishing company on the Internet. Tell the author what you thought of the book. Letter must be at least five paragraphs and include at least three ideas.
22. Letter to the School Librarian.
Write a formal letter using block format to our school librarian. In this letter, you should talk about why you liked the book and why the library should have a copy for others to read. At least 5 paragraphs and 3 different ideas.
23. Monologue.
Pretend to be a character from the book. Tell your story. You can do this aloud or on paper. If you pick someone other than the main character, you may find the story looks different from your eyes than it does to the main character. After all, the bad guy might not see himself as being so bad!
24. Country/Culture Report
If the story takes place in another country, learn about that country. Report on meals, traditions and etiquette for that country.
25. Advice Column
Pretend the main character wrote a letter to an advice columnist seeking advice about a problem in the book. Write a response on how the problem would be solved. Include the main character’s letter and the advice column.
26. Editorial
Choose an issue in your book and take a position on it. Include your letter to the editor and describe how you feel about the issue. Be sure to address the opposition.
27. Mobile
Requirements: For each of the following you must make an appropriate shape that represents that element of your novel. All writing must be in blue or black ink or typewritten.
Shape One: Describe the main character. Include a descriptive and insightful explanation that is backed by an example in the book.
Shape Two: Write a 3-paragraph summary of the book that highlights the beginning, middle and end of the novel. Make sure to include the who, what, where, when, and why of the story. (each paragraph will go on a separate shape hanging from shape 2).
Shape Three: Describe the setting(s) on the front side of the shape. On the backside of the shape, draw a picture that represents the main setting.
Shape Four: Write your evaluation of the book and write whether you would you recommend it to a friend. Give specific reasons for your opinion.
Constructing Your Mobile
Cut a piece of cardboard into a 12 X 18 rectangle. This will be the top of the mobile so it must be sturdier than regular weight paper. Holding the board horizontally, colorfully decorate both sides of the board with a border, the title, author, and your name.
Using heavy string or yarn, not thread, attach the four shapes to the bottom of the board through the four holes, allowing the shapes to hang about four inches below the board. Thread another piece of string or yarn through the two holes at the top for a hanger.
Attach the three additional shapes that go with shape 2 to the bottom of that shape.
BOOK PROJECT OPTIONS
1. Comic Book
Create a comic book version of the novel. This must include artwork, graphics, and text typical of a comic book yet faithful to the spirit of the novel.
2. Sequel
Write a sequel to the book. This should include at least 2 typed, double-spaced pages in 12-point type – Times New Roman - using MLA format.
3. Compare/Contrast Book & Movie
View a movie/video version of the book, then do an oral report on the similarities and differences to the novel using representative video clips to the class.
4. Advertising Campaign
Prepare an advertising campaign for the novel – including a new book cover, 2 movie posters, and one magazine/newspaper advertisement.
5. Web Site
Create a web site for the book with links to the best sites related to the author and the book, including study questions with answers.
6. Historical Report
Research and report on the historical context of the book, with a specific emphasis on events that directly relate to the author and/or novel. You may give an oral presentation with visual aids of your findings or write a 2-page MLA-style paper complete with a works cited page.
7. Game
Create a game based on the book. Have the class play your game as part of your presentation. Warning: Games are really hard. It's hard to make a game that is not boring and that lasts the right amount of time. You have to practice playing the game and make necessary changes. We also found it hard to write clear directions. It's extremely educational, though, and interesting.
8. Mural
Make a mural (at least 3 x 3 feet – apx. size of bulletin board) depicting all major characters in realistic fashion from a narrative book or major events from an informational book. Include at least 2 representational quotes from the book to epitomize the characters or events.
9. Study Guide & Test
Pretend you are going to teach this novel to a typical class of seniors in high school. Create a study guide and test for the books. Include answer keys.
10. Theme Songs
Choose (or create) a theme song for each of the major characters based on the descriptions given in the novel or a theme song for each major event in an informational book. Give an oral presentation justifying your choices to the class. You must provide a copy of the lyrics to me at least 2 days prior to the presentation.
11. Artwork
Write down 10 phrases/lines/sentences/short passages (each one no longer than 10 lines) that interest you in some way. These could be poetic, descriptions of character, foreshadowing of plot, reminiscent of a personal experience, or most anything that you strongly relate to. Then go to the Internet for famous artwork to express the meaning of each of the ten items on your list. Put together a packet with each quote from the book, painting and citation on a different page. Some good web sites include www.art.com and www.artwork.net.
12. Children’s Book
Turn the book into a children’s story by retelling the plot for a narrative or creating a plot based on information in a simple way with vocabulary appropriate for youngsters. Make sure your creation looks like a children’s book, complete with a cover including a title and author, and colorful illustrations above and/or below your writing. DO NOT use lined paper, and make sure all writing is either typed or written neatly & easily readable. Read a few children’s books before you write your own.
13. Create New Scene
Write your own scene that could have happened in the book, but didn’t. Be sure to write in the same style as the author. On a separate page, include a brief explanation in paragraph form of what has occurred up until this point in the novel and give a general description of the characters. In another paragraph, explain why you made the changes/additions you did and how they would have affected the outcome.
14. Map
If the book you read involves a number of locations within a town, country, or geographical area, create a map. First, make a list of all the locations – houses, stores, streets, parks, lakes, etc. – mentioned in your book’s setting. Then, draw a map showing a bird’s eye view of the area. Label each section. Below the map, create a legend with a list of all the location and a description of important events that occur at each. Make sure your map has lots of details, is colorful, and large enough to be seen clearly. All writing should be done in black ink or magic marker.
15. Time Line
Brainstorm a list of all the major events in the plot from beginning to end and then organize them, not in the order they are written, but in the order they would have happened if the events actually took place in real life. Create a time line using a long strip of paper. On your time line, write a short description of what happens for each event and, if possible, try to identify the time of each event with dates, seasons, etc. Add picture and symbols to make your time line colorful. All writing should be done in black magic marker or typed and then taped neatly onto the time line.
16. Newspaper
Create a newspaper that is devoted entirely to the book you read. It should look as much like a real newspaper as possible with writing in columns, headlines, a newspaper title, etc. You can include a variety of different kinds of features including horoscopes for each character, "Dear Abby" letters, comic strips, news articles, advertisements, personal ads, an obituary section, or anything else you might find in a newspaper. Everything you include; however, must be based on events and characters in the book you read. Articles must be typed.
17. Scrapbook
Create a scrapbook for one of the main characters or real life person from informational book that reflects the many events that occur to him or her in the book you read. You can include photographs, letters, post cards, telegrams, a family tree, newspaper article clippings, memorable items, or anything else you can think of that you might find in a scrapbook. If you include objects or photographs, be sure to write captions below describing what they are or what's going on and their significance to the character or person. Create a nice cover for your scrapbook. On the inside, paste an information sheet identifying the full name of the character/person, his/her age (guess if you don't know), birthday (if known), where he/she lives, and any other important information.
18. TV Talk Show
Suppose the major characters from the novel you read are guests on a TV talk show like Oprah or Montel Williams, only you are the host. Develop a "hot" topic, which these characters can all relate to (ex: for The Princess Bride you could use, "My husband tried to kill me"). You may want to even include the author as one of your guests or perhaps a counselor who can give advice to each character. Gather your friends to take on these roles and tape the show "live" on video. Remember to advise your friends to stay in role. Be sure to have a theme song to go with your show and mention the topic for your program. You will also need to introduce each character and ask probing questions that reveal who he/she is, how he/she is related to the other character(s), his/her beliefs, motivations (reasons for doing certain actions), and anything else of importance to your topic. You are required to write a script and make sure each person who is in your video has a copy to study. Turn the script in with the videotape.
19. Movie Preview
The book you have read has just been made into a movie and you have been hired to create and interesting, attention-getting, preview that will make movie-goers all across the country want to come see this new release. Prepare a script, practice, and then videotape short scenes to be used for a preview. Remember previews should not reveal whole scenes, but instead, give us quick glimpses of what the movie is about. Use an attention-getter at the beginning of your preview by having a narrator ask a question, describe a situation, etc. (just like when you write an attention-getter for the introduction of an essay). Add appropriate background music that fits the mood or atmosphere of the overall movie. Be sure to videotape an interesting visual design of the title (to be shown at the end of the preview) and mention actors and actresses who star in this feature film. (Turn in the script with this project!)
20. Storytelling
Turn the book you read into an oral story, which you tape on cassette. No NOT read from the novel, but instead, retell the story in your own words. On your tape, before you actually begin your story, introduce the title and author. Be sure to use appropriate tone and volume as well as special sound effects to help make your story more exciting! You might even want to use music. Develop a different voice for each of the main characters who "speak" in your story. (Ex: If you were telling the story "Little Red Riding Hood," when you came to the part where Little Red says, "My what BIG teeth you have" you would speak in a high pitch voice and then switch to a much deeper, rough voice when the wolf responds, "All the better to eat you with.") You will obviously have to skip parts of the story because books are very long. Create a script to use when you tell your story. Turn the script in with your tape.
21. Letter to the Author
Write a formal letter using block style to the author of your book. Find the address for the author or publishing company on the Internet. Tell the author what you thought of the book. Letter must be at least five paragraphs and include at least three ideas.
22. Letter to the School Librarian.
Write a formal letter using block format to our school librarian. In this letter, you should talk about why you liked the book and why the library should have a copy for others to read. At least 5 paragraphs and 3 different ideas.
23. Monologue.
Pretend to be a character from the book. Tell your story. You can do this aloud or on paper. If you pick someone other than the main character, you may find the story looks different from your eyes than it does to the main character. After all, the bad guy might not see himself as being so bad!
24. Country/Culture Report
If the story takes place in another country, learn about that country. Report on meals, traditions and etiquette for that country.
25. Advice Column
Pretend the main character wrote a letter to an advice columnist seeking advice about a problem in the book. Write a response on how the problem would be solved. Include the main character’s letter and the advice column.
26. Editorial
Choose an issue in your book and take a position on it. Include your letter to the editor and describe how you feel about the issue. Be sure to address the opposition.
27. Mobile
Requirements: For each of the following you must make an appropriate shape that represents that element of your novel. All writing must be in blue or black ink or typewritten.
Shape One: Describe the main character. Include a descriptive and insightful explanation that is backed by an example in the book.
Shape Two: Write a 3-paragraph summary of the book that highlights the beginning, middle and end of the novel. Make sure to include the who, what, where, when, and why of the story. (each paragraph will go on a separate shape hanging from shape 2).
Shape Three: Describe the setting(s) on the front side of the shape. On the backside of the shape, draw a picture that represents the main setting.
Shape Four: Write your evaluation of the book and write whether you would you recommend it to a friend. Give specific reasons for your opinion.
Constructing Your Mobile
Cut a piece of cardboard into a 12 X 18 rectangle. This will be the top of the mobile so it must be sturdier than regular weight paper. Holding the board horizontally, colorfully decorate both sides of the board with a border, the title, author, and your name.
Using heavy string or yarn, not thread, attach the four shapes to the bottom of the board through the four holes, allowing the shapes to hang about four inches below the board. Thread another piece of string or yarn through the two holes at the top for a hanger.
Attach the three additional shapes that go with shape 2 to the bottom of that shape.